Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2018 Challenge - General
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Popsugar wants to know your favorite challenge book!
Title/Author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee
Prompt you used it for: Author of a different ethnicity than myself
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: I knew nothing about the Japanese/Korean issues that were portrayed in this book. What a huge sadness that these people of mixed races had no home and the horrible struggles to just survive. Left me wanting to read more about this issue.
Title-
Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics by bell hooks.Prompt- A book about feminism.
bell hooks accomplished the target which is to create a basic goal - an uncomplicated and everyday explanation for everybody: men, and women alike. It clarifies the stereotypical ideas that people receive from second-hand sources. hooks gives a concise account of intersectional politics, feminist parenting and feminist masculinity that were new, even for a literary reader like me.
Title/author: Fairest of All by Serena ValentinoPrompt: A book about a villain or antihero
Why: In Fairest of All, the story delves much deeper into the psyche of Snow White's stepmother, and in doing so brings a lot more depth to the villain. This makes her transformation from loving wife and mother to the sorceress she becomes that much more terrifying.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: The Devil in the White CityPrompt you used it for: True Crime
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: This is a book I normally wouldn't have picked up, which is one thing I love about this reading challenge. It not only talked about the crime (it's about HH Holmes), but gave details about the building of the Chicago World's Fair which I found fascinating.
I'd have to choose A False Report: A True Story of Rape in America by T. Christian Miller and Ken ArmstrongPrompt: True Crime
"Loved" isn't the word. I was gripped by this book. I was going to cheat and skip this category. I NEVER read True Crime books. But I read a review and have been dealing with left over trauma from my own experience forty years ago. I recommend this book highly. It's upsetting, infuriating and utterly fascinating...in an "Are you kidding me?" kind of way. Now I find out that my son, who is a Netflix editor, will be editing a documentary called "False Confessions" about people who are coerced into recanting their crime-victim stories by police.
Prompt: Weather Element in TitleName of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss... so so good!
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Queenpin by Megan AbbottPrompt you used it for: A book by an author with the same first or last name as you
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: This tautly written novel pays homage to classic noirs, but turns the normally male-dominated genre on its head. It feels simultaneously like a classic noir written in a bygone era and a thoroughly modern and fresh female-driven story. I read it in a single day and loved every minute of it!
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge:Life's That Way by Jim Beaver
Prompt you used it for: A book about grief/death
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: As a fan of Jim Beaver's acting, I wanted to read his memoir about his true love. I fell in love with him as an author and human being. I cannot count the times I cried during this read, but it has been the best of the 47 I have read so far this year! HIGHLY recommend. Just be ready to ugly cry a few times!
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourtPrompt you used it for: A book tied to your ancestry
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: The writing is excellent, and McCourt weaves the story so expertly. It is damn near perfect.
My favorite book this year: Truevine: Two Brothers, a Kidnapping, and a Mother's Quest: A True Story of the Jim Crow Southby Beth Macy
Prompt: A book by a local author
The true story of two albino African-American brothers, George and Willie Muse, who were displayed as circus freaks and held in virtual slavery in the 1920's. Much of the book takes place near my hometown and I learned that there were huge KKK rallies at the time, something they never told us in school. When I got to the end of the book and the death of Willie at the age of over 100, I almost cried.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge:The Reader on the 6.27 by Jean-Paul Didierlaurent
Prompt: A book with a time of day in the title
Two to three sentences on why you loved it:
The prompt was specific but tricky to find. The book was quirky, interesting and different and the characters were well thought out.
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisisfor the Book about a Problem Facing Society Today
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo IshiguroPrompt you used it for: A book with a time of day in the title
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: The character development is fabulous. The way the story is told, so that the main character's feelings unfold slowly.
Title/author: The Martian by Andy WeirPrompt: A book made into a movie I’ve already seen
Why I loved it: I loved the film and the book equally. Usually I prefer to read the book before seeing the film but having seen the film did not spoil my reading (although of course I couldn’t avoid picturing Matt Damon as the main protagonist). The book has loads of scientific detail in it, which as a science teacher I found fascinating. Easy to forget that humans haven’t been to Mars yet and this is not a memoir!
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: The Woman in the WindowPrompt you used it for: A book with alliteration in the title
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: The book was so well-written and suspenseful that it was tough to put it down. It took unexpected turns while remaining true to the flow of the story - revealing just enough to make the reader think "hmmm, well, there goes that theory". Really just excellent.
Shout out to my sister, Jennifer, for selecting for our Feb read :)
Lauren wrote: "Diane wrote: "I'm going to pick A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. I used this in my book recommended by another person taking the challenge prompt.
The chara..."
I read AND heard that last year. My husband is rather into documentary films and science books, I re-started the audio-Ove on a car trip and it was just great, for him as well. What a peaceful ride, too ;-)
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: The Lost Plot by Genevieve Cogman
Prompt you used it for: 40A - book with a protagonist with your occupation
I'm a librarian and she's called a librarian ^_^
Two to three sentences on why you loved it:
This series seriously gets better with each book and I was immediately swept away once I picked it up. Dragons, magic, mystery, badass librarians -- what more could I want in a book??
Book title/ author:: The Map of Salt snd Stars by Jennifer Zeynab JoukhadarPrompt you used it for: A book about grief
Why you liked it: This book had two storylines set 500 years apart. The writing , descriptions and characters kept me turning pages long past my bedtime. When a book makes you feel actual anxiety for the fate of the characters, its good writing.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Station Eleven by Emily St. John MandelPrompt you used it for: a book you borrowed or were given as a gift
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: I love finding unique books that surprise me and change my understanding of what a genre can be.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: The Hate U Give by Angie ThomasPrompt you used it for: Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges (2017: A book by an author of color)
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: Have you ever read a book that hits you so hard that you immediately start over again at page 1 when you finish? That was this book for me. Stories like this are exactly what we need in the world, and why representation in reading matters.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Radio Silence by Alice OsemanPrompt you used it for: A book with an LGBT+ protagonist
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: Although this book was YA, it focused not on a 16- year- old girl experiencing love and life for the first time, but rather older teens entering university, confused and afraid of where the future may take them, which is an time in life that I resonate with but rarely see in literature. I also found it refreshing to read about a boy and girl forming a strong friendship without making it romantic, thought they were both capable of making it so. I felt like I was living in it and I will definitely be doing a reread in the future.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: ItPrompt you used it for: Favorite Prompt from Past Years Reading Challenge (A book that takes place during summer)
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: No one can build characters or setting quite like Stephen King. I thought this books was the perfect balance between horror and coming of age. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I finished it months ago!
Book: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidPrompt: Favorite Prompt from Past Years Challenge (2017 - A book with a character's name)
Why: Diverse cast of characters, well-written, hooked me in and I couldn't put it down. Evelyn Hugo is a prime example of a strong woman in a time that didn't allow for one.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri ManiscalcoPrompt you used it for: Novel based on a real person
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: It's a YA that doesn't read like a YA! The author has created a "leading lady" who is strong yet feminine within a plot that is complex and captivating. (I am continuing my way through the series because I like this book so much!)
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Artemis by Andy WeirPrompt you used it for: Heist
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: I've had several five star reads during this challenge, so it was hard to pick one, but this is the one that I think will be most memorable for me. Everything was spot on--the science and nerdiness, the humor, the characters... just everything.
labaum wrote: "Sara wrote: "The wonderful people at Popsugar are asking us to contribute some feedback on our favorite book from the challenge this year. With more than 4 months left of the year, I believe this..."
I suspect the question is coming this soon because they're starting to plan next year's challenge and are using the feedback in the planning. If they waited until the end of the year it would be too late to influence next year's list.
Sara wrote: "The wonderful people at Popsugar are asking us to contribute some feedback on our favorite book so far from the challenge this year. Please provide the following:Title/author of a favorite book y..."
Choosing one book is really hard because they are all so different but well written. Since I have to pick just one it would have to be:The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
I loved this book for several reasons. One of the characters was named Markham Reynolds. My name is Rosemary Reynolds Markham. Kind of fun even if you don't really like him at the end. I liked that it talked about a book club during the German occupation of Guernsey. I learned I lot I didn't know about Guernsey during this time.
OutlanderA book about time travel.
Even though I have been watching the series, I had no desire to read the books. I was also a little intimidated about the size of the books. Having a mental picture from the show gave me visuals that intensified my reading experience, I laughed, I cried and I cringed with the Captain Randall graphics. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
A Storm of SwordsI used it for #24, book with a weather element in the title. I ended up reading the whole Song of Ice and Fire series and counting four of them for the challenge, originally I read Game of Thrones because I couldn't come up with a better choice for the twins prompt. But I was totally captivated by the series and this book was the best one.
Oh my gosh! I’ve read so many great books this year! How do I pick one? I think Escape from Mr Lemoncello’s library was my favourite (so far, I’m not done yet)
I used it for a fruit veg in the title but it would also work as one about a bookstore or library.
I loved the references to other books! And the clues and the old school way of referencing books! It made me so nostalgic for the old ways.
It's really hard to pick one but so far my favourite is I am Malala. I used it for the problem facing society today prompt (terrorism/extremism)
I thought it was really well written and Malala has such an amazing voice for someone so young who has survived through so much. I also like to find out about other countries and cultures and this was a good insight into life in Pakistan.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Things I've Learned from Dying: A Book About Life by David R. DowPrompt you used it for: Prompt #10 - A book about death or grief
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: I picked it up randomly from the library and thought the premise was interesting. I didn't expect it to grab hold of me so quickly, to find the emotion within it that I did, or to have it completely change my opinion on the death penalty. I loved how unexpectedly it effected me.
Seems a bit weird to ask for this before the end of the year, when some of us haven't finished the challenge yet. Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Prompt you used it for: A book from a celebrity book club
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: It was pretty different from what I expected, but a very powerful story with memorable characters. It is one of the books from this challenge that has really stuck with me, even though I read it much earlier in the year.
I know a couple people have commented on asking this question before the end of the challenge. This isn't meant to be the be all, end all most favorite book of the challenge. Popsugar asked for our input as they plan next year's challenge...which includes promoting it as it gets closer. They want to be able to create a list of some favorite books people have discovered through the challenge and what people love about them. And they need to gather that information in advance so they can plan their articles.You are not obligated to answer this question so if you find that you cannot pick a favorite book before the end of the challenge then simply don't answer.
This is a tough call, as I've discovered many great books through the challenge so far this year. But I think my very favorite would have to be Six of Crows which I used for the prompt: a book involving a heist.I loved this book so much. The characters are well drawn with interesting back stories that are slowly revealed, deepening and enriching the story as you go along. I had to immediately go out and get the second book after I finished this one!
Oh my goodness, I don't know how I can choose just one favorite! I think I'll go with Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks: A Librarian's Love Letters and Breakup Notes to the Books in Her Life
I used this for a book my a local author.
I liked it because it had a lot of interesting content and at times it was emotionally involved, but the overall experience of reading it was so light and pleasant. It reminded me of books I've loved and it expanded my TBR list...which was long enough to begin with but hey...I also really enjoyed the premise of the book and the writing style was perfect for the way the book was formatted. It was a really enjoyable experience and it just made me so thankful for the library and books and fellow book-lovers. <3
My favourite challenge read this year. Oh, it´s hard to choose, butThe Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness stands out.
I used it for "set on another planet"
I really like the way it depicts humanity and society in a grim way, and at the same time is full of hope and puts emphasis on the strength/ importance of love and friendship in all its forms. I also appreciate the way language has evolved in the New World. I also really like the worldbuilding.
Raquel wrote: "labaum wrote: "Sara wrote: "The wonderful people at Popsugar are asking us to contribute some feedback on our favorite book from the challenge this year. With more than 4 months left of the year,..."
I also wonder if they aren’t looking to write a post suggesting ideas if people have stalled in the challenge etc
I contemplated using this list of people’s favourites to fill in my challenge next year because most of these were on my TBR, a few I hadn’t heard of but find interesting, and the few that I wouldn’t normally consider would be the stretch factor. I figured for any I’d already read I could read another by the author - only one presented an issue there, because I’d have to read the co-author for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - or if it was part of a series I’d just read the first in the series to cover it.
I probably won’t make a point of leaving it until next year, but it seems like a smart place to pick books from.
Alicia wrote: "OutlanderA book about time travel.
Even though I have been watching the series, I had no desire to read the books. I was also a little intimidated about the size of the books. Havin..."
Would you suggest starting the series before the books? I know I benefited from reading Game of Thrones before seeing the show just because I had a face to go with the many, many names!
Chinook wrote: "I contemplated using this list of people’s favourites to fill in my challenge next year because most of these were on my TBR, a few I hadn’t heard of but find interesting, and the few that I wouldn..."I like your idea. This seems like a good place to look for your next read :)
T. wrote: "This is a tough call, as I've discovered many great books through the challenge so far this year. But I think my very favorite would have to be Six of Crows which I used for the pro..."I've got this one on my list for the same prompt - looking forward to it even more now T!
Rachel wrote: "Seems a bit weird to ask for this before the end of the year, when some of us haven't finished the challenge yet. Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: [book:Eleanor..."
Rachel wrote: "Seems a bit weird to ask for this before the end of the year, when some of us haven't finished the challenge yet.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: [book:Eleanor..."
I loved this one too. I used it for the "book about mental health" prompt :-)
Best book I've read so far, Red Clocks by Leni Zumas.Prompt used for: A book for your favorite color in the title. Could also use it a book about feminism.
This book was totally different from the books I normally read. I found the authors use of chapter names to be a bit disjointed. I had to remember which woman was being referred to by a secondary name. Story takes place in a future America where abortion is illegal so it could possibly be considered to be prescient.
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics Prompt you used it for: Written by a local author (Seattle)
Set right before/at the start of WW2, I loved the history it told about the Seattle area and how it intertwined with what was happening in Germany at the same time. Also I loved learning more about the sport of Rowing.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Beartown Prompt you used it for: A book about or involving a sport
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: I didn't know what to expect when I picked this up, but I was completely engrossed in the story to the point where I spent an extra hour on the treadmill just to finish it. The story is heartbreaking, yet hopeful, completely relevant to today's society, plus I loved the multiple viewpoints. It was just tremendous, and I've been recommending it to everyone.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge:Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Prompt you used it for:
A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: I like the intersection of the parents - primarily the mothers' stories with that of the children.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
America's First Daughter (other topics)The Hunger Angel (other topics)
The Secret History (other topics)
American Gods (other topics)
Outlander (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Neil Gaiman (other topics)Siddhartha Mukherjee (other topics)
Leni Zumas (other topics)
Patrick Ness (other topics)
David R. Dow (other topics)
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Prompt you used it for: A book from a celebrity book club
Two to three sentences on..."
Awesome book - read it last year and heard Naomi speak at a literary festival. She was fabulous.